In the animated film “Arco” by Ugo Bienvenu, a unique portrayal of two distinct future scenarios unfolds. The storyline follows a young boy who inadvertently travels back in time from the year 2932 to the near future of 2075. In the distant future, the world is devastated by climate disasters and rising sea levels, rendering it almost uninhabitable despite its aesthetic beauty depicted through Bienvenu’s intricate 2D animation style.
Upon his arrival in the near future, the boy encounters a more familiar yet precarious setting, with a looming forest fire threatening the village he stumbles into. The local residents seem to ignore the impending danger, reflecting a mix of denial and avoidance towards the impending changes. Bienvenu and co-producer Natalie Portman see these contrasting futures as symbolic representations of potential paths for humanity.
Portman was drawn to the project by its portrayal of both dark and hopeful elements in the future, emphasizing the uncertainty that lies ahead. She believes in the power of imagination, creativity, and human innovation to shape a different outcome, rather than adhering to fixed notions of optimism or pessimism. The film’s approach of hinting at solutions without providing definitive answers has garnered acclaim, winning the best animated feature at the European Film Awards and earning a nomination at the 98th Academy Awards.
For Bienvenu, the essence of the movie lies in the idea that sometimes defeat can lead to victory in the end. He reflects on an ancient saying, “Ex falso verum sequitur,” which translates to “From wrong comes the right,” underscoring the film’s thematic exploration of resilience and transformation.